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Saito 100 idle

Hi all you 4 stroke and saito guys. Got a saito 100 with just over a gallon thru it that I flew for the first time today. I'm curious about the idle being so high and wonder if anyone has any advice that might help me get it lower. I know every engine is different and if mine will settle in after a few gallons I'll just consider it so and do nothing but I'm thinking I still may not have it tuned in properly yet. I'm using powermaster 20/20 at the moment. Probably will have to go to wildcat or byrons after the powermaster runs out since I've heard they're out of business. But anyway prop is s zinger 14X8. Max rpm about 8700 and idle is about 2300. It will idle lower at about 1850 or so but not reliably. I'm wondering if this is normal? My HSN is about 1 3/4 out and the LSN is about 3 1/2 turns out. Plane by the way is the Aeroworks Yak 54, 60 size. I've never had an engine before that idled so fast that I have to worry about chasing it around the runway (paved). Again, if this is normal OK, but if anyone thinks there's something I can do at this point to get the idle down and still have a good transition, I sure would appreciate the advice.

RE: Saito 100 idle

It's still probably way rich on the bottom end. They come that way to ensure a sloppy rich break in. Continue leaning the bottom end out as it breaks in. When you get it too lean it will idle great like a sewing maching but then will die when you hit the trottle hard. At that point compromise and richen it up just a bit to retain the transition to full throttle without dying. As it breaks in even more you may be able to lean out the bottom end a bit more.

If you want to know where you are at in a hurry now, pinch the line to the carb while it is idling. If it speeds up considerable then you are still way too rich!

RE: Saito 100 idle

This Graupner 13.5x8 or its sister the 14x7 will either one give you a better idle than you're getting, the 14x7 would be a better choice if your plane is landing hot. Your idle should easily be 2,000 or less. I like to set mine up for about 1,800 then use 2,000 as the real idle.

RE: Saito 100 idle

Dar, that's why I don't waste my time using the pinch test on fourstrokes. I also make any changes to the needles slowly and in small steps. I don't care what anyone says, fourstrokes don't respond instantly to needle changes, I'll bet you've discovered the same.